We didn't have a "Race Discussion" thread in 2023.  Let's resurrect it and enjoy dot-stalking once again!

Scott just posted the 2024 gpx file.  New sections in New Mexico!

http://topofusion.com/divide/gps.php

Yeah, I opened the route map this morning.  It's kind of humorous to note that, after studying the route for a decade, it only takes a glance at it to notice that "something's different".  The NM changes are interesting and I wonder if these will be "this year" changes only due to local circumstances or if the goal is to make them permanent.

I also wonder at the impetus of Matt and Scott (and whoever else does the route-finding) to deviate from the original GDMBR.  I suppose the changing landscape - construction, conservation & traffic issues, etc. - forces some changes, but as a purist (whatever THAT means), my wish is to keep the race route as close to the original route (as created by the ACA) as possible.  And I still believe the Koko Claims hike-a-bike section has NO place in a cycling race!!

My next task is to map the new sections and see what height/length changes are present.  Good stuff!!

Now let the excitement begin...and the dream of one day "taking the start" continue.

I'm getting excited for the start of the race!  I wish I was in the Grand Depart.  Someday...

"I for one am very thankful for the quiet and smooth year. It was a good one, an inspiring one. Thanks to everyone, riders, fans and locals!"

It's been a fantastic year! Thanks for all you do, Scott!

Seconded.  Thanks so much Scott!!

I hope you get the chance, Joel! It's pretty fantastic!
I really appreciate what Joe does. The call-ins provide such a unique and wonderful layer to the race!

Thanks!  I hope your recovery from surgery is going well.  I said a few extra prayers this week.  It's great to see you posting again.

Congratulations to fellow Iowan Matt Miller, who finished the race early this evening in a very strong 22d 10h.  Way to go!!! He has some decent hills where he lives (we've been in that area several times), but nothing like what he faced on the route. 

Well, I'm not sure we're going to get any additional call-ins to MTB Cast, but I got all caught up on them last night...what great information.  Joe, thanks again for all you do to make this race come alive for us each year from the audio side of things.

It's very much appreciated!!

It's a bucket-list item for me to someday make calls from the Tour Divide route.

All the best!

Joel

samh,

Good thoughts!!

I had asked here if changing gears on a SS was permitted.

That's a great question.  The rules do not explicitly prohibit gearing changes, so I'm guessing it's allowed.  From a more practical standpoint, if Alexandera (or any rider with a multi-speed cassette) pulled into a bike shop needing a cassette change due to severe wear/slippage and the shop couldn't exactly matching the rider's existing ratios, the rider would have to take what was available.

I don't know if Matt Lee still follows the forums here, but maybe he or ScottM could clarify.

My guess is a gear change is permitted.

All the best!

Joel

Alexandra is about to set a new women's SS record.

Congrats to her for terrific strategy and perseverance!

I wish I could push like that with a ten-speed cassette on the back wheel.  She is super strong.  It begs the obvious question...what could she do with a ten-speed cassette on the back wheel?

Congrats Alexandera on another record run.

All the best!

Joel

What a race for 3rd among the women!!  Hannah Simon pulled out a 5-minute lead over Sacha Dowell - probably about one mile - and Gail Brown finished less than 15 minutes adrift - three, maybe four miles.  Given the terrain of those last miles (mostly flat with a slight rise), it's possible all three riders were within sight of each other as they pushed to the end.

Wow!!  Congratulations to all three on a fantastic ride and a fierce battle through New Mexico!!!

The race is on for the last medal on the women's podium...and Gail Brown is joining the fray, just 9 miles back with 45 to go...

Popcorn is percolating for this one...

Look at Stephen Whitaker, taking the actual GDMBR around Mt. Taylor rather than the alternate!!  I believe that "off-route" is perfectly legal on the TD (along with Zuni Canyon).  When was the last time someone did that?!?  I mapped that part of the route once (vs the hard surface to Milan via Pueblo Pintado) a few years back and discovered the actual route has about 2000' more climbing, but is 6-7 miles shorter than the race route.

There's currently no rain, so kudos to him!!

All the best!

Joel

Well, Stephen appears to have turned around, gone back to Cuba, and is now riding the race route.

...and we have a bit of a race between Hannah Simon and Sacha Dowell over the last seventy-five miles here.  They're neck and neck...somebody is gonna have to go for it!!

Look at Stephen Whitaker, taking the actual GDMBR around Mt. Taylor rather than the alternate!!  I believe that "off-route" is perfectly legal on the TD (along with Zuni Canyon).  When was the last time someone did that?!?  I mapped that part of the route once (vs the hard surface to Milan via Pueblo Pintado) a few years back and discovered the actual route has about 2000' more climbing, but is 6-7 miles shorter than the race route.

There's currently no rain, so kudos to him!!

All the best!

Joel

We're seeing a little more rain in New Mexico, and nowhere in that state is the wind helping very much.  I'm keeping my eye on Matt Miller, who's riding well and is thirty miles from Abiquiu.  The women currently at the front (Houchin, Brown, Dowell, and Simon) are all fighting the Gila within thirty miles of each other.  This will be a very exciting finish for those four.

All the best!

Joel

Congratulations to Peter Kraft on a strong finish.  I'm a little behind on his MTBCast call-ins, but he's had a bunch of really entertaining ones this year.  The call-ins seem to be less frequent and that's a real shame.  I really enjoy them...way more than reading some Snap-o-Chat message or a 20-second video on facebook.

Adrian's name looks familiar...was he one of the riders in "Ride the Divide" documentary...I need to check...


All the best!

Joel

Yep...Adrian is from the documentary...coming back 15 years later.  Good on him!!

I believe Kyle Peterson is just now finishing as the 1st single speed. Also Adrian Stingaciu the only Fixed gear Ssp will get to New Mexico today. I wonder if Adrian's dot is yellow only because he had repeated tracker outages early on? If that's the case it'll all be legitimized when submits his gps track for those days.

Adrian's name looks familiar...was he one of the riders in "Ride the Divide" documentary...I need to check...


All the best!

Joel

I've been away since Friday with no internet coverage and have missed several finishes.  Getting caught back up for a bit here.

...and bon, I'll be thinking about you tomorrow with your procedure...may this be the last one!

All the best!

Joel

There's a great chance that Justinas finishes in 14 days as well.  Joe Nation (currently 200 miles out) probably won't make 14, but 15 days is still super awesome.  These lead riders are powerhouses, that's for sure.  Of course, everyone that even gets to the starting gun is a pretty special rider.